Natural Law Theory: Crash Course Philosophy #34
Updated: November 19, 2024
Summary
Thomas Aquinas introduced the natural law theory, suggesting that God pre-loaded humans with the ability to discern what is good. He emphasized the importance of living in community and seeking behaviors that align with the natural order, such as self-preservation and knowledge. Aquinas believed that reason enables individuals to derive natural laws from basic goods and make right choices. Despite criticisms from philosophers like David Hume, his ideas on morality and human nature continue to be influential in discussions on ethics and the role of God in guiding human behavior.
Introduction to Thomas Aquinas
Thomas Aquinas believed in the importance of morality and being a good person as part of God's plan. He introduced the concept of natural law theory, suggesting that God pre-loaded humans with the tools to know what is good.
Desire for Good Things
Aquinas argued that God wants humans to desire good things, which are essential for sustaining life. He emphasized that God created a natural order with instinctual desires for self-preservation, reproduction, and educating offspring.
Instinctual Desire to Know God
Aquinas believed that humans have an instinctual desire to seek and know God, a concept also supported by Jean-Paul Sartre. He highlighted the social nature of humans, emphasizing the importance of living in community and avoiding behaviors that alienate others.
Basic Goods and Natural Laws
Aquinas outlined the basic goods that all living beings naturally seek, from self-preservation to knowledge. He suggested that reason allows us to derive natural laws from these basic goods, leading to right acts that align with the natural law.
Violations of Natural Law
Aquinas addressed the issue of why people violate the natural law, attributing it to ignorance and emotional influences. He emphasized the role of reason in recognizing and following the natural law, despite challenges presented by ignorance and emotions.
Critiques of Natural Law Theory
Critics, including David Hume, raised objections to natural law theory, such as the is-ought problem. The theory's reliance on God as the grounding for morality and its implications for behaviors like reproduction raise philosophical challenges.
FAQ
Q: What is natural law theory as introduced by Thomas Aquinas?
A: Natural law theory suggests that God pre-loaded humans with the tools to know what is good and emphasizes the instinctual desires for self-preservation, reproduction, and educating offspring.
Q: How did Aquinas describe the role of God in human behavior according to natural law theory?
A: Aquinas argued that God wants humans to desire good things, which are essential for sustaining life, and created a natural order with instinctual desires for self-preservation, reproduction, and educating offspring.
Q: What were some of the basic goods outlined by Aquinas that all living beings naturally seek?
A: Aquinas outlined basic goods such as self-preservation, reproduction, and knowledge that all living beings naturally seek.
Q: How did Aquinas believe humans can derive natural laws from the basic goods they naturally seek?
A: Aquinas suggested that reason allows us to derive natural laws from the basic goods that all living beings naturally seek, leading to right acts that align with the natural law.
Q: What role did reason play in Aquinas's view of recognizing and following the natural law?
A: Aquinas emphasized the role of reason in recognizing and following the natural law, despite challenges presented by ignorance and emotions.
Q: What objections were raised by critics like David Hume against natural law theory?
A: Critics like David Hume raised objections to natural law theory, such as the is-ought problem, and questioned its reliance on God as the grounding for morality and its implications for behaviors like reproduction.
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